1. Your Trial: God’s Appointment
Philippians 4:6

2. Fundamentals of Gentleness
Philippians 4:5

3. Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

4. What is this “Gentleness”?
composed
moderate
reasonable
gentle

5. What is this “Gentleness”?
1 Samuel 12:22 – God is gentle to Israel
2 Kings 6:3 – Elijah is gentle to his servants
1 Peter 2:18 – Some masters are gentle to their slaves

6. What is this “Gentleness”?
Suggests a hierarchy

7. What is this “Gentleness”?
Suggests a hierarchy
The right to take action is let go, in favour of the offender

8. What is this “Gentleness”?
Suggests a hierarchy
The right to take action is let go, in favour of the offender
“Big-Heartedness”

9. What is this “Gentleness”?
We often find ourselves in this position
“Legitimate” offence
A “right” to retaliate
God desires an exercise of Gentleness, not “Rights”
I will not treat you as you deserve, but show you favour

10. What is this “Gentleness”?
What about Justice?

11. What is this “Gentleness”?
What about Justice?
Gentleness and Justice are not opposed
God desires a community of justice
The underlying attitude in all of this is “Gentleness”

12. Fundamentals of Gentleness
2 Fundamental Characteristics Of
Gentleness
That
God requires

13. Your Gentleness must be Tangible
Philippians 4:5
Let your gentleness be evident to all

14. Your Gentleness must be Tangible
Philippians 4:5
Let your gentleness be evident to all
Literally: Let it be known as an experience

15. Your Gentleness must be Tangible
Philippians 4:5
Let your gentleness be evident to all
Literally: Let it be known as an experience
More than holding back
The favour is for their good

16. Your Gentleness must be Tangible
Philippians 4:5
Let your gentleness be evident to all

17. Your Gentleness must be Tangible
Matthew 5:38-42
You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person…

18. Your Gentleness must be Tangible
Matthew 5:38-42
You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person…
Luke 6:35-36
…and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked…

19. Your Gentleness must be Tangible
Matthew 5:38-42
You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person…
Luke 6:35-36
…and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked…
Philippians 2:14-15
Do everything without complaining or arguing…

20. Your Gentleness must be Tangible

21. Your Gentleness must be Impartial
Philippians 4:5
Let your gentleness be evident to all

22. Your Gentleness must be Impartial
MORE FAVOUR:
LESS FAVOUR:
Family
Friends
Useful people
Stranger
Enemy
Unrelated
Uncaring

23. Your Gentleness must be Impartial

24. Your Gentleness must be Impartial
Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves

25. Your Gentleness must be Impartial

26. Your Gentleness must be Impartial
He has been gentle with me, not just reserved
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us

27. Your Gentleness must be Impartial
He has been gentle with me, not just reserved
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us
“He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.” (Psalm 103:10)

28. Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.